Captain Lawrence J. O’Pezio

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Captain Lawrence J. O’Pezio, 89, of Melbourne, Florida passed away on November 1, 2023. He was born February 21, 1934 to the late Victor and Mary O’Pezio of Bay Shore, N.Y. He was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Janice (Jan) Heintzelman O’Pezio. Larry attended Bay Shore High School and then went on to graduate from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy 1956. Captain O’Pezio had a distinguished career in the U. S. Coast Guard highlighted by a year of coastal patrols in Vietnam and as a “sailor’s sailor” he was Commanding Officer of the USCGC Vigilant and then the USCGC Chase which at the time was the largest and newest vessel in the Coast Guard’s fleet.

            Upon retirement from the Coast Guard Larry found relaxation in listening to classical music and attending performances of the Brevard Symphony Orchestra. He also enjoyed building his model airplanes, doing jigsaw puzzles and attempting to finish the always difficult NY Times crossword puzzle. He was also a pretty decent pasta maker.

            Larry is survived by two sons. Michael and his wife Kathy of Chesapeake, VA. Thomas and his partner Rosemarie Xavier of Mattapoisett, MA. Four granddaughters, Heather O’Pezio and her partner Colin Spencer of Norfolk, VA. Danielle del Rosario and her husband Brandon del Rosario of  Chesapeake, VA. Elizabeth O’Pezio and her partner Ross Macedo of Fairhaven, MA and Caroline O’Pezio of Mattapoisett, MA. A great-grandson Glenn del Rosario and a great-granddaughter Charlie Rose Macedo. He is also survived by his brother Captain Robert and Sharron O’Pezio of Atlantic Beach, FL.

            Contributions can be made in his memory to South Guild of Brevard Symphony Orchestra, PO Box 361965, Melbourne, Fl. 32936-1965.

            Beckman-Williamson Funeral home of Rockledge, FL is assisting family with future arrangements.

James C. Holden

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James C. Holden, age 86, of Mattapoisett died peacefully on Saturday November 4, 2023, in his home alongside his loving wife of 63 years Patricia (Fielding) Holden whom he completely adored.

            He was born in New Bedford, MA on July 26, 1937, to Gardner and Hilda (Viera) Holden. He was raised in the West End of New Bedford where he later raised his own family. Jim often told his grandchildren stories of hunting with his best friend George just steps from where they both lived. From 1956 -1958, Jim served in the Army Airborne Division as a Paratrooper. He kept his service private for most of his life, but Jim shared his experiences more often during his later years.

            Jim spent his life tirelessly working on the shoreside of the fishing industry where he made many memories and close friends. He retired as General Manager of Hathaway Braley Wharf Co. and President of Nice Ice, following a career working for his family business, Holden and Padelford Ice Co. Jim was known as a hardworking, trustworthy and savvy business man, unafraid to say what he believed. Whether by the pool or over a cup of coffee, he enjoyed sharing stories of New Bedford’s waterfront. Jim was an avid golfer, outdoorsman, and a friend of Bill W.

            Jim’s greatest achievement was his family. He was a dedicated husband to his wife, Pat, who cared for him until the moment that he passed. Jim and Pat enjoyed hosting friends and family, dining out, and spending the colder months in Florida. Jim’s toughness was only rivaled by his love for his children and their children. He cherished the relationships that he had with each of his daughters. Jim was most proud of his grandchildren. Among the greatest gifts he gave to his family was time – being ever present in moments of need and celebration.

            James Holden is survived by his loving wife Patricia; his sister Carolyn (Holden) and her husband Gardner Greany; his children Karen (Holden) Nitsche and Debra (Holden) and husband Robert Gomes; three grandchildren, James Gomes, Justin and his wife Katie Gomes, and Jonathan Gomes; and great-grandchildren, Greyson Ellis Gomes and Josephine Day Gomes. He was predeceased by his son-in-law Craig Nitsche; his brother Richard and his wife Barbara Holden; his sister Constance; and his parents, Gardner and Hilda Holden.

            At Jim’s request, his services will be private. His family is especially grateful to his care teams at Tufts Medical Center and the Providence VA Medical Center. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may be made to the Veterans Transition House, 1297 Purchase St., New Bedford, MA 02740. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Christmas on Church Street

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The Mattapoisett Congregational Church’s annual Holiday Fair will be held on Saturday, December 2 from 9 am to 1 pm in Reynard Hall at 27 Church Street in Mattapoisett. This year’s event will include homemade frozen foods, baked treats, hand knitted and crafted items, Christmas/holiday decorations, gift items, greenery for wreaths as well as jewelry, silent auction items, a kids’ table and a delicious hot soup luncheon. All proceeds benefit the ministries of the Mattapoisett Congregational Church. For additional information, please contact the church office at 508-758-2671 or mattcongchurch@gmail.com.

Veterans Day

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On Saturday, November 11, Veterans Day, various town organizations will hold commemorative services to honor the millions of American men and women who have served in uniform, from the Revolutionary War through today and the ways in which their services to this great nation have provided us with the freedom and lives we live and enjoy today.

            At 11:00 am, in the area around the Mattapoisett Congregational Church and Center School, village residents and others who cannot make it to the official ceremonies conducted by the Town and its veterans’ organizations at Old Hammondtown School earlier in the morning, can gather with the members of the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club to hear the church’s bell toll in honor of our veterans.

            The Bell Remembrance Ceremony is offered through the support of the Florence Eastman American Legion Post 280 and the Doughboy Foundation so that residents proximate to that area at 11:00 am can experience, yet again, the tolling of the 21 Bells of Freedom that marks the signing of the Armistice that ended WWI, a.k.a. the war to end all wars, at 11:00 am on Saturday.

            Residents are invited to participate in both remembrance ceremonies – either at 10:45 am or 11:00 am on Veterans Day, Saturday, November 11.

Holidays You May Have Forgotten

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            If you have been paying very close attention, you will know that the holidays are quickly approaching. I saw my first Christmas shopping ad on television back on October 21. On the 23rd, that big city newspaper north of here ran a 36-point, bold-faced headline proclaiming “Just 62 Shopping Days Left“! And on the 24th, I noticed that our local sub sandwich shop had a jingle bell wreath hanging on the door. Please, it isn’t even Thanksgiving yet.

            This premature, forced advancement of the holiday spirit has naturally spiked this scribe’s interest in holidays. There are 12 official federal holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Inauguration Day (every four years and it is too early to talk about that, too, so let us not), Washington’s Birthday (which is the same thing as President’s Day), Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Juneteenth, which recognizes the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation. That covers six months of the year. There is Independence Day, Columbus Day (which may soon be known as Indigenous Peoples Day), Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and, of course, Christmas to close out the aforementioned gift buying season.

            Individual states have their own holidays, as do many religions. Then there is Flag Day, Valentine’s Day, Halloween and Kwanzaa, which are not official holidays, and of course Festivus for the rest of us (google it.)

            Bet you didn’t know there are 365 unofficial  holidays, one for every day of the year. No doubt you have heard of National Popcorn Day, (January 19.) I think the movie-theater operators invented that one, National Baby Boomers Recognition Day (August 17 Hurrah!), and National Eat Beans Day, which ought to be an official holiday. Maybe they could place National Garlic Eating Day next, making for a nice long weekend where no one has to be at work.

            I can go on and I think I will.

            Foods have many celebratory days. One of my favorites is National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day, though Chocolate Covered Everything Day on December 16 comes in a close second. There are also National Spaghetti, Peanut Brittle, Carrot Cake days, followed soon after by Bacon and then Potato Lovers Days.

            National Clam Chowder Day is surely popular around these parts. National Taco Day, Noodle Day, Cheese Day and Pasta Day are all in October. Oh, and I forgot, National Baloney Day, which was October 24. (That would be the food, not columnist’s day.) Don’t forget National Pickle Day. Surely someone will soon declare a National Pickle Ball Day.

            I discovered that there is a National Rubber Ducky day, which will forever be close to my heart as I once worked at the Hagen Toy Factory on Barstow Street, stuffing whistles in ducks’ … never mind.

            National Bubble Day is January 8, followed shortly by National Bubble Bath Day on the 30th. Shouldn’t they be reversed? You could take a nice bath on National Goof off Day. If you are upset with someone and need to tell them to go fly a kite (please not me), National Go Fly a Kite Day is February 8. I haven’t noticed any kite flyers in these parts in the snowy days of February, but you never know. You might have guessed that April 15, Tax Day, is also National Clown Day. And, if you see someone named Joe, wish him happy birthday as March 27 is National Joe Day.

            If you have more energy than I, you may even find more than I have, but I’m finally celebrating National Lazy Day. It was on August 10, but it really is every day for me.

            Editor’s note: Mattapoisett resident Dick Morgado is an artist and retired newspaper columnist whose musings are, after some years, back in The Wanderer under the subtitle “Thoughts on ….” Morgado’s opinions have also appeared for many years in daily newspapers around Boston.

Thoughts on…

By Dick Morgado

Small Works and Holiday Shop

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 The Marion Art Center announces its annual exhibit, Small Works + Holiday Shop. The show runs Saturday, November 11 through Friday, December 15, with an opening reception scheduled on Saturday, November 11 from 3:00-5:00 pm. The exhibit will feature original works of art all under 14 inches, plus a curated selection of handmade goods such as jewelry, textiles, ceramics, woodworks, gifts and more. Shop for yourself or find the perfect gifts for others. All pieces may be removed from the galleries upon purchase for this cash-and-carry show. Learn more at marionartcenter.org/on-exhibit.

Elks Student of the Month

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The Elks of Wareham/New Bedford Lodge No. 73 sponsors the Elks Student of the Month and Student of the Year Awards for students enrolled in local area high schools.  The criteria used in nominating a student includes a student who excels in scholarship, citizenship, performing arts, fine arts, hobbies, athletics, church, school and community service, industry and farming.

            We congratulate Senior Tyler Williams, of Mattapoisett, for being selected as Student of the Month for October by the Old Rochester Regional High School Faculty and Staff.

            Tyler is a quiet leader who always chooses to do the “right” thing.  He is always on task in class, he participates with enthusiasm and he is very receptive to feedback.  I recently observed him invite a student who often gets left out of things to work with him.  He is a role model to his peers.

A ‘Critically Important’ Choice

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            All Medicare recipients, and most people enrolled in health plans through their employers or the Affordable Care Act, have the opportunity to sign up and/or change plans during the annual Open Enrollment Period. For Medicare, this is October 15 through December 7, 2023.

            While I am sure you have many things you would rather do than review your health insurance options, please set aside time for this critically important task.

            Why is it important? Once you choose a plan, you are generally locked in for a year. If you find in March that you have a condition you want treated by “Dr. X,” but Dr. X is not in your health plan, you are out of luck. The fall Open Enrollment Period is your chance to ensure that your needs are best met in 2024.

            In the early days of Medicare, there was very little choice and life was much simpler. Now you have the major option of “classic” Medicare or Medicare Advantage (MA.) In addition, if you opt for classic Medicare, there are options for the “fill-in” plans that cover Medicare’s deductibles.

            This year, for the first time, over half of Medicare enrollees are in MA plans. These plans, run by commercial health-insurance companies and heavily marketed, offer benefits not covered by traditional Medicare, such as payment towards hearing aids and eyeglasses, and even gym memberships. Their major downside is limited choice of doctors and hospitals. There have also been allegations that some plans have denied or delayed needed care. There is no free lunch, and plans that lure you in with lower out-of-pocket costs (and are run by profit-making companies) need to cut costs somewhere.

            Suggestions:

            1. Even if you are happy with your current MA plan, read the plan information carefully to see what has changed. Plans can and do change what they cover each year. Be sure you know what medications will be covered if your plan provides drug coverage and what your medicines will cost you. Check if any doctors you are seeing will no longer be covered. Ditto a hospital you prefer to use.

            2. Double-check with your doctors’ offices to be sure what plans they will be accepting. MA information is often out of date with their list of participating doctors.

            3. Be sure your plan and your health needs are a good fit. A plan that covers your fitness-club membership may have been inviting when you felt healthy but may no longer be the best fit if you have a new serious illness and the best doctors and hospitals for this condition are “out of network.”

            4. Take the time to look at alternatives. Since both plans and your health needs change, there may be a plan that is a better fit. Check the plan ratings on medicare.gov.

            5. Ignore the hype and read the fine print. You will be barraged with advertising and sales pitches. Regard these with the same skepticism as you would any other advertising.

            Finally, maintain good health habits. Do not smoke or drink; exercise and eat a healthy, plant-focused diet. The healthier you are, the less you will need to worry about what services your plan covers.

            Dr. Ed Hoffer is the chairman of the Marion Board of Health, a graduate of MIT and Harvard Medical School. He is Associate Professor of Medicine, part-time, at Harvard and a Senior Scientist at the Massachusetts General Hospital.

By Dr. Ed Hoffer

Vertical Wall No-Go in Velocity Zone

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            A request for a Certificate of Compliance filed by Laurence E. Reinhart (East Avenue Trust) for work done at 17 East Avenue brought concern to the Marion Conservation Commission after four of its members visited the site on October 21 and found four discrepancies, one of which was considered a deal breaker.

            During the commission’s October 25 public meeting, a letter from the applicant’s engineer with an Order of Conditions dating back to 2010 for new construction noted deviations to what was permitted.

            Commissioner Shaun Walsh said that the plan called for sloped grass with an approved fabric to keep the soil in place, but instead two retaining walls were constructed. Citing the land being subject to coastal-storm flowage and being in a velocity zone, Walsh was surprised at what was constructed. He explained that the plan called for a gentle slope so that the water would redistribute safely.

            “I don’t think we would have granted an amended order of conditions because that’s not the same impacts. It’s more impacts,” said Walsh, describing the construction as trying to pound a square peg into a round hole. “I wish (engineer) Rick Charon was here, I’d be interested in what he’d have to say.”

            Attending remotely, Conservation Agent Doug Guey-Lee told the commissioners that he had been told by the applicant to expect Charon’s attendance. He sought clarification on the commission’s intentions in dealing with the deviations from the plan.

            In clarifying his own position, Chairman Jeff Doubrava said he could live with the generator, staircase and additional recharge areas and suggested that a request for determination of applicability would be a proper manner for vetting those items. It’s the retaining wall he could reconcile with because doing so would send a bad message to future applicants.

            “Since I’ve been here, we’ve never allowed anybody to build a vertical sea wall in a velocity zone, we’ve always asked them to have a slope,” said Doubrava, who said the commission has allowed retaining walls with a slope on the downward side to diffuse the wave energy. “This is not an acceptable implementation of the Order of Conditions.”

            Doubrava cited multiple cases in which the commission required seaward slope of a retaining wall, one of those only two doors up from the applicant’s address.

            “This is the velocity zone. If it was the A zone, not a big deal,” said Doubrava.

            No members of the commission were serving when the Order of Conditions was granted. Doubrava said it’s not the commission’s responsibility to find a solution for the applicant, but he and Walsh agreed they would like to hear from Charon. Doubrava said, if left dormant, the matter won’t come up again until the house is sold. Walsh, an attorney, suggested that the blockage would come up with a lender for a prospective buyer of the house.

            Since the request, the commission has been obligated to respond within 21 days. But Walsh suggested, knowing the certified will not be granted without further discussion, that the applicant should be receptive to extending a rule of convenience to avoid the alternative, which is denial.

            Walsh suggested Guey-Lee reach out to Charon to see if he would attend the commission’s next meeting (November 1) and see if a solution is possible. The matter was thereby tabled.

            A Notice of Intent filed by 133 Wareham Road LLC to construct a 45×35-foot commercial building with associated parking, drainage, utilities and grading at the corner of Route 6 and Point Road was heard, and consulting engineer Jamie Bissonette presented on behalf of the applicant.

            The area is approximately 15,295 square feet (23.5 acres) and is located in a flood zone. The wetland line, he said, was established in May.

            The building will be used by an aesthetician and associated spa workers. Bissonette said the applicant has filed with the Planning Board for a Special Permit to reduce the number of parking spaces from the required 11 to nine. With the Planning Board still vetting the project, Bissonette said the applicant would like to continue the case with the Conservation Commission regardless of its own disposition so that any changes in the Order of Conditions as set by the Planning Board would be included in the commission’s decision as well.

            The new business will share the entrance to the parking lot, and handicap access will be installed on the other side of the building. Screening will be provided to the abutting residence by a 6-foot vinyl fence.

            After pointing out three drainage areas and associated treatment, Bissonette said plantings would include four dogwood trees, 30 white azaleas and four giant arborvitaes in the front. A 12-inch silt sock will be used for erosion control.

            Commission Chairman Jeff Doubrava said his only concern would be to place a permanent marker to indicate the buffer to the wetland line.

            “Historically, that’s been boulders or – I don’t like the term – permanent, split-rail fences,” he said, explaining it means, “You can’t go farther than this with anything.”

            Walsh agreed with Doubrava, citing incremental encroachment toward the line.

            The limit of work is 15.9 feet at its closest to the wetland line. Commissioner Matt Schultz confirmed that the land behind the new building will be raised by approximately 3 feet. Walsh complimented the applicants on improving the site since taking ownership.

            At Bissonette’s request, the commission continued the public hearing to December 13.

            A Notice of Intent filed by Sandra Peterson, Dexter Road Family Trust, for construction on an existing, single-family house and construction of a permanent pier, seasonal ramp and float at 35 Dexter Road was conditioned.

            Following feedback at the last public hearing, a revised plan was submitted with the pier shortened by 18 feet. The commission also received comment from the harbormaster and from the state’s Division of Marine Fisheries. Both of the letters indicated no concerns with the plan.

            Heather Vrattos was voted a Negative Determination (Boxes 2 and 3), allowing her to cut down and remove a dead poplar tree and cut down and remove three dying ash trees on Water Street. Having visited the site with members Ethan Gerber and Millie Seeberg, Doubrava said the trees were flagged and appeared to be dead.

            The Marion Conservation Commission was scheduled to meet on Wednesday, November 1, at 7:00 pm.

Marion Conservation Commission

By Mick Colageo

Relentless Runners SCC Runners-up

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            The Old Rochester Regional High School boys and girls cross-country teams turned in a pair of second-place finishes in their South Coast Conference championship meets held on October 28 in Wrentham.

            ORR’s boys faced eight teams, including Apponequet and Seekonk. The boys scored 37 points, with seniors Tyler Young and Aidan Silk earning first and second-place individual finishes. Both runners ran under a 17-minute 5k.

            ORR’s girls got second place with 44 points, right behind Apponequet, which dominated the field with 34 points. ORR’s Alexia Gonsalves finished in fourth place individually, and Aubrey Heise and Maddy Conner finished eighth and ninth overall for ORR.

            The boys went undefeated for the season, going 5-0 in dual meets, while the girls went 3-2. Both teams will look forward to the state meets on November 11 and 18.

Girls Volleyball

            The Bulldogs defeated Dennis Yarmouth (10-7) on October 25, 3-0, in their final regular-season match. They finished the season on an eight-game winning streak with a 15-4 record. Junior Caroline Brogioli had 14 digs, 8 service points and 3 aces. ORR, the sixth seed in the Division 3 MIAA state tournament, awaits the winner of the November 1 preliminary-round match between Triton and Burncoat.

Girls Soccer

            Having done their hardest work of the season, the Bulldogs (10-8-2) had put themselves in position to win and make the playoffs, and they got it done Monday with a 6-0 victory over Seekonk (8-9-1.) ORR tied 2-2 at Falmouth (6-6-6) on October 28, as juniors Liz Feeney and Audrey Thomas each scored a goal. Sophomore Delaney Chase had an assist. ORR lost a tough match, 2-1, to visiting Durfee on Senior Night on October 25. Feeney scored the Bulldogs’ goal on a direct kick in the second half to tie the game. “Durfee is a top Division 1 team, and I was proud of how we played and battled and fought to the end,” ORR coach Jeff Lombard said.

Boys Soccer

            Boys Soccer (11-5) won 2-1 vs Falmouth (5-10-3) on October 28. Both ORR goals were scored in the first half by senior George Psichopaidas unassisted. Emile Joseph made 6 saves in goal and was named a player of the game, along with Psichopaidas. On Monday, the Bulldogs defeated Seekonk, 5-0, in their final game of the regular season. They won 4-1 at Apponequet (6-11-1) on October 27, as Psichopaidas scored 2 goals and John Maremlo scored his first varsity goal of the season.

Football

            The ORR football team hung tough in a 43-7 defeat at 7-1 Barnstable on October 27.

“They are a Division 2 team and are ranked in the top 20 in the state. I’m proud of our effort,” said ORR coach Bryce Guilbeault. “The boys played hard and did some really good things. The score was 9-7 with six minutes to go in the second quarter, and then they made a couple big plays and the game got away from us.”

            The Bulldogs are in the state playoffs and anticipate a home game next week. They will find out who their opponent will be on Sunday, October 29.

Field Hockey

            The ORR field hockey team lost 4-2 to New Bedford (7-11) on October 27 to finish out the season at 4-9-4. ORR lost to West Bridgewater 3-1 in non-conference play on October 25. Freshman Addy Roy scored the only goal for the Bulldogs. Goaltender Reilly Patraiko made four saves.

Unified Basketball

            ORR’s Unified basketball team traveled to Joseph Case High School on October 30 and won 62-48. Junior Michael Hogan scored a massive 28 points, and David Wilson added 14. Sophomore Adam Murphy earned player of the game for aggressive defense, hustle and multiple steals. “I am proud of the way our team responded to tough defensive pressure from the Cardinals. We never lost our composure, which helped us secure the win,” said ORR head coach Emma Fenton. The 5-0 Bulldogs were scheduled to finish out their regular season on Wednesday at Fairhaven (3-1.) On November 21, the Unified team plays its annual fundraiser against local Police and Fire at the ORR gym.

Sports Roundup

By Aiden Comorosky